Hong Kong’s tourism trade expects the number of travelers visiting the city to recover to as much as 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels, as the city lures tourists back by launching a "Hello Hong Kong" global promotional drive.
Speaking on a radio program Friday, Simon Wong Kit-lung, chairman of the Quality Tourism Services Association, said the promotional drive offers a much-needed boost to the pandemic-hit industry and could let the world know that Hong Kong is back in play.
He said the tourism industry has been halted for three years and now is the time to welcome tourists back.
Wong, also a chairman of restaurant group LH Group, noted that businesses have recovered to about 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels after the SAR government canceled the city’s vaccine pass arrangement.
Chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday unveiled plans to lure tourists to the city, including handing out 500,000 air tickets and a million spending vouchers, they also stressed the need to ensure the industry can cope with the renewed demand.
Meanwhile, tourism sector lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung said more has to be done to boost consumption and encourage tourists to stay for longer periods after the launch of the promotional campaign.
Yiu called on the government to roll out a recovery fund, saying businesses across the industry are struggling to hire enough staff.
He said the tourism industry has been halted for three years and now is the time to welcome tourists back.
Wong, also a chairman of restaurant group LH Group, noted that businesses have recovered to about 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels after the SAR government canceled the city’s vaccine pass arrangement.
Chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday unveiled plans to lure tourists to the city, including handing out 500,000 air tickets and a million spending vouchers, they also stressed the need to ensure the industry can cope with the renewed demand.
Meanwhile, tourism sector lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung said more has to be done to boost consumption and encourage tourists to stay for longer periods after the launch of the promotional campaign.
Yiu called on the government to roll out a recovery fund, saying businesses across the industry are struggling to hire enough staff.